Coming up this evening on "Piers Morgan Tonight," legendary actor, director, and producer Robert De Niro visits the program, bringing along his unique insights and perspectives on everything from finances to film.

The star of such classic movies as "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull," De Niro supports President Obama's proposed "Buffett Rule," calling for increased income taxes on the wealthy:

"As far as, again, the middle class, just having the opportunity that it should have, the taxes being paid compared to the people that have a lot of money, is ridiculous sometimes," he tells Piers Morgan. "You hear about some people, the taxes they don't pay, is like, insane."

Now while De Niro contends he already pays an "enormous" amount of taxes personally, he admits he'd agree to more, adding "I'll do whatever I have to do, whatever's fair."

But first he'd like to see a certain Republican presidential nominee open up his checkbook:

"Even people like Romney, the taxes he pays, are kind of astounding really, from what I've seen," says the two-time Academy Award winner. "Low. Yeah. Very low."

Watch the clip, listen to the interview, then tune in this evening to find out what makes De Niro's heart "swell with pride."

soundoff(166 Responses)

Right, because god forbid their opinion differ from yours. Let me just point out that he's willing to pay more, compared to the people that Republicans implicitly support who don't want to pay a fair percentage. True, the rich pay a larger amount of taxes, but a lower effective percentage when they, more so than anyone can afford to pay the percentages that the middle class pays. If you're willing to talk an adaptation of a flat tax rate, then we can have that discussion but as long as we have a progressive tax rate there is no reason that those who can afford to pay shouldn't pay a rate at least comparable to the rest of us.

Chris, the progressive income tax actually HAS worked out pretty well. Oh, and while the Communist Manifesto *does* encourage one, so did Adam Smith, the founder of Capitilist economics. Currently, a majority of economists in the United States (81% according to one poll) advocate a proportional tax.

So... was the "Communist" bit a sound bite someone told you, or did mis-think it up yourself?

The rich such as Obama who only pay 20% it is due to large charitible contributions. Even Obama is smart enough to know he would rather choose how the money is spent than give to a bunch of dirty politicians to spend. Dem or Rep you gotta ask yourself if you would really rather give your money to the politicians to decide how it is spent versus choosing yourself. That being said they need to do away with the IRS and go to a consumption tax. We also need to find a President who will stand up to Congress and do away from pork barrell spending and their pet projects. I also think Pac/lobbist contributions need to be scrutinized more closely. Things like giving taxpayer money to failing alternative energy companies who absolutely inexcusable.

Wes, all he is saying is that he is willing, should the nation need tax reform to pay our outrageous debt. People like yourselves who wish to obfuscate the debate by saying buffet should pay the IRS or DeNiro should run down and pay, are overlooking the real issues that we as Americans have. The tax rate has always varied for the rich, in the past it was very high, now maybe it's a little low. Buts it's certainly not a reason for people to be casting out foolish nonsense suggestions that offer nothing else than to shut down the dialog.

If there were not a tax deduction for charitable contributions then a lot people would stop giving regardless if they were conservative or liberal. Don't think that conservatives are the only people donating for two reasons.

steve: "compared to the people that Republicans implicitly support who don't want to pay a fair percentage."

Ah, yes. So you've assumed from the outset what you're trying to conclude: that taxes as they are are unfair.

CNN ran an article showing that 80% of tax payers pay under 15%, and that many of the top income earners pay 15% on capital gains. Seems they're already paying a higher percentage than most people and - more importantly - they're paying more in absolute dollars than anyone else.

Why? Because 15% of many millions is astronomically higher than 15% of only thousands.

But no, you're right. Paying hundreds of thousands per year in income and capital gains taxes isn't fair. They should pay even more. Why? So *you* will benefit from the government programs the dollars of the rich support.

Steve:
De Niro and millionaires like him pay a minimum in taxes and always will. They donate to causes related to themselves and their friends. They pay bookkeepers to find the deductions. He has an entourage special things that allow him to live a certain lifestyle that are all deductible. Do you think De Niro would put his taxes out for all to see? NO! These are the elite something you'll never be. You just stay on your knees for your gods. They love it because they know you swallow.

"Seems they're already paying a higher percentage than most people and – more importantly – they're paying more in absolute dollars than anyone else.

Why? Because 15% of many millions is astronomically higher than 15% of only thousands."

Nahn, you're looking at it backwards. That 15% of only thousands generally represents a far higher burden to the middle-class taxpayer than the 15% on millions does to the wealthy one. That's why most countries have progressive income taxes.

Yeah – tell that to Reagan, and Fred Grandy, and Jesse Ventura. Oh wait – none of them were liberal "D-bags" as you put it. These were all politicians, one an actual movie star, who used their celebrity to run for office. Did you tell them to stay out of politics? Probably not.

Posted on I should have cselod the door to my office before I read this post. Because the people across the hall probably think I am developing a seizure/hysteria disorder. There are tears streaming down my face and I am still laughing out. Thank you, thank you for sharing this Craft FAIL.Cameron’s last blog post..

Kdawg you know as much about the world around you as you know about spelling "Dog." But that hasn't stopped you from expressing your brilliant opinion. So how about you clamp that idiot box at the bottom of your head shut until you have something relevant to add to the discussion? Thanks. Your friends and family asked me to bring this up to you, by the way, so give them all your sub-moronic replies, not me.

SAG, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

Mr. Di Niro expressed his ideas in an articulate manner and refrained from name calling. He's a better man than you. He is willing to pitch in and help solve a problem he sees rather than spewing negativity, he is a better citizen than you too.

I hope you are making more than 250,000 a year to take so much offense to this statement. A lot of people think being Republican makes you look like a big dog, but in fact it makes you look as though you know nothing about Economics.

I agree with De Niro, the weathly; need to pay their share, and quit complaining. I am a republican, but I am a bit ashamed of their greed. Watch out if Romney get the nomination. He will be a big mistake. At this point, I am leaning toward Obama.

You have to be kidding you are not a republican you are a RINO just admit it and be done with it. Why should the rich pay more? What is a fair share? according to who? The "rich" include everyone in this country. Take a look around the world and see what the wages are there.

Let me ask why the democrats won't go for Paul Ryans' plan? It does cut the top tax rate down to 25%, but the wealthy would actually pay more than what they do now cause a lot of the loophole are closed and they have a maximum deduction they can take. But these hypocrites like Buffet and Michael Moore say I will pay more, but they will only pay if forced cause they will take advantage of every loophole there is. But lets see how much would charities get if the money given to them wasn't tax deductible. Cause we all no if it was up to the government (especially the current one) they would rather give the money to someone running a business that will fail no matter what or rebuild some mosques in Egypt. So the answer is yes I would rather give my money directly to the charities than to our government which the current motto is "Free Condoms For ALL".

What the hell is wrong with you damn REPUBLICANS? Robert De Niro has every right to express his feelings. Thought this was AMERICA! I'm so sick of dumb people. A dumb person got us in this mess and that would be President George W Bush. By the way what the hell kind of name is "kdawg?" It's DOG you idiot. Why don't you go back to school and learn how to spell things correctly! My president will win come November You haters just watch and see. How dare you call us democrats d bags? I'm sure there are very intelligent Republicans. But guess what that would NOT be you. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA 2012!

Your president has FAILED. He has spent more money in three years than Bush did in eight years. Unemployment was 5% under Bush; it is more than 8% under Obama. He has done nothing in office to help the country. The fact that you refuse to understand that doesn't make it any less true.

Dawn,
Calling Republicans 'idiots' is the same vitriol you rail against when Republicans say negative things about Democrats. The TRILLIONS of dollars new debt are the byproduct of the bail outs engineered by Obama-can't blame it all on Bush. If the Democrats would take their share of the 'blame' then maybe we could all move on and get a few things done. No single party is responsible for the mess in which we find ourselves and ultimately we, the voters, are to blame for continually putting the wrong people in office. Anyone with different ideas, like Ron Paul, couldn't buy and election.

Dawn,
Calling Republicans 'idiots' is the same vitriol you rail against when Republicans say negative things about Democrats. The TRILLIONS of dollars new debt are the byproduct of the bail outs engineered by Obama-can't blame it all on Bush. If the Democrats would take their share of the 'blame' then maybe we could all move on and get a few things done. No single party is responsible for the mess in which we find ourselves and ultimately we, the voters, are to blame for continually putting the wrong people in office. Anyone with different ideas, like Ron Paul, couldn't buy an election.

"As far as, again, the middle class, just having the opportunity that it should have, the taxes being paid compared to the people that have a lot of money, is ridiculous sometimes," he tells Piers Morgan. "You hear about some people, the taxes they don't pay, is like, insane."

I am not clear on how increasing the taxes of the wealthy is fair or helpful to the middle class. Obama just want's to make the wealthy pay the same as the middle class, hence, fair. How does that create opportunities for the middle class when we are still paying the same? Since the rich will pass on those costs, it just means we are actually taking on more of a burden

Yeah – tell that to Reagan, and Fred Grandy, and Jesse Ventura. Oh wait – none of them were liberal "D-bags" as you put it. These were all politicians, one an actual movie star, who used their celebrity to run for office. Did you tell them to stay out of politics? Probably not.

Jesse Ventura ran as Independent, but only because he had to run as a third party. Jesse was extremely liberal. I'd say left of being a democrat. In fact I believe Jesse is actually a Truther....(how much further left and stupid can you get then that?)

So Romney paying $2.8 million in taxes and Obama paying $159,000 is somehow unfair, wrong, and morally reprehensible? Hey idiots, if you make millions you pay a higher dollar amount anyway. They may not pay the same rate as you and I, but who's paying more, Obama or Romney? And even if the Buffet Rule passed, it would only generate about $47 billion over 10 years. But no one seems to mind that the AMT will take at least $1 trillion out of the economy over that same period of time, from people making less than $200,000 a year. Did you know the top 50% income bracket in this country starts at only $36,000? This whole argument would be over if Democrats simply agreed to a flat tax. And what's stopping Buffet from donating billions to the government as it is? I wish Democrats would put their money where their mouth is. Even Obama's team announced today Obama won't voluntarily pay more. Hypocrites.

Chris – you're an absolute, misinformed, idiot. Romney made a hell of a lot more money than did Obama, but his effective tax "rate" was lower than Obama's even though he paid more $ in taxes. That being said, even Obama said HE himself should be paying a higher tax rate. The biggest issue is not necessarily raising more taxes, but making sure that the super rich pay their fair share. Many of the super rich DON'T EVEN WORK – but the massive amounts of money they make off of their investments are taxed at a far lower rate than the wages of anyone – rich or poor. And by the way – ROMNEY won't pay more either. You cannot make taxes "voluntary." Only a moron would think that would work.

Lame challenge. A Democrat or liberal or conservative, for that matter, volunteering to pay extra would be perceived as unbalanced, an insignificant gesture and receive nothing but ridicule. You know this very well and just use it as a ridiculous criticism. Nobody ever, ever pays extra taxes unless obligated by law. It's a fact.

A...Let me explain this to you in a very simple way...taxes on investments are taxes on money already earned. For example...say you had a job. you might budget x amount for groceries, x amount for clothes, and x amount for investing or savings. So say you decided to put away x amount for investments....you've already paid income taxes on that money you are investing since it came from income.

Now part two of this is when you invest...you are investing in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc. Stocks invest in corporations and bonds invest in government (cities, counties, states, federal,etc.) When stocks and bonds grow, it is in the country's best interests. And certainly if you want Obama to be reelected...you really want to see the economy and the stock market do good. So investing is good. Growth in the investments is good. That is why long term capital gains and dividends are taxed at a lower rate than income tax. We want to encourage people to invest.

A..whoops, I forgot to add, it's not only the very rich that invest, but the middle class as well and actually if you have a job, then there is a good chance you have a 401(k), or a defined pension plan. When the portfolio manager sells a stock in these plans and it has gains, they are taxed at the capital gains tax rate and that is good for all.

Set your class envy aside, and look at the big picture...increasing the taxes on capital gains hurts everybody!

This business about Romney only paying 15% is very misleading. The tax rate on dividends is 15% for anybody. In order to pay for the stock that pays the dividends, you first have to make a lot of money that is already taxed at normal rates. This is the problem with this country; we "destroy the good." Someone makes money, and wisely considers the tax code when investing and minimizes the taxes he needs to pay and he's considered bad. Don't we want to congratulate and emulate people who succeed? Don't we want someone who knows how to make smart decisions be president? The envy in the country is astonishing. Its as if someone else's success is somehow damaging to your own. If we all strived for success rather than getting goosebumps when someone fails we all be a lot better off. I Romney had not used so much money do pay dividends, which have relatively low returns compared to some other riskier investments, he could have done something else to make even more money, and possibly paid more in taxes. He would have taken greater risks. If successful ,people would complain he made too much money. If he lost his investments, people would laugh. Doesn't this seem destructive? The purpose of life is not to pay taxes. There was no Federal income tax until 1913. The government is not a source of money – they simply confiscate from those who earn it. All who receive any sort of government handout (net negative taxes) receive it because it was a "gift" of your fellow citizen who earned it. Instead of those people saying thank you, they say "where's the rest?"
I would suggest to all in this and any election consider sccomplishment not words. Who you hire a manger who never managed anything? No. Mr. Obama acomplished nothing prior to becoming president. Its mind-numbing that there is surprise that he accomplsihed nothing as president.

You advocate a flat tax, which is based on the idea of an equal % of income paid by everyone, but seem fine with the fact that Romney pays a lower % because he makes more. You talk about how little money 50% of the country makes but you think they should be subject to the same tax rate as the highest earners. The difference is that people in this lower bracket cycle most of their income directly back into the economy. The rich are labelled the "job creators" but it's only advantageous to create jobs if a big enough portion of society can afford to buy their products and services.

Chris, who was it that eliminated all the highest tax rates, so that $36,000 is currently in it? If you polled Americans, I'm sure 80% or more would favor another tier or two above $150,000. In fact, if they were able to do so, I'm sure a strong majority of voters in this so-called democracy would vote for such a measure.

Kdawg: People from all professions and/or backgrounds are capable of having something of interest to say. You are free to agree or disagree, but you are not free to prohibit their expression of viewpoint. Many ators are well informed and provide insightful, persuasive commentary on political issues. It's their country too.

Kathy,
Yes, and many also continue to spout off the lies told them by the Democrats who feed it to them.
Just because they are celebrities doesn't make them any more knowledgeable than any other person.
They just have the pulpit with which to speak their opinion.
I'd rather they simply keep their opinion to themselves. They have a right to an opinion but that doesn't mean they have a right to use their celebrity status to tell lies.
And I'm talking about all of them, not just the ones that vote Democrat.
Let DeNiro publish his tax returns so we can see how much he really paid in taxes and also how much he donated to charities and exactly which charities those were. I'm not talking about the DeNiro foundation either. I love it when celebs create foundations to simply channel millions of dollars into that pay family members, as well as themselves, to go on lavish trips on "mercy missions." Real charitable. Not buyin' it.

Which tax rate is this noted economist referring to, straight income (millionaires are already taxed above 30% on earned income) or investment income (capital gains)? What exactly is more unfair, to take $300k a year from someone making a milliona year, or the fact that over the last three years, the number of people who pay zero taxes has risen from 47% to 53%, which means that not only has 5% of the working population become non-productive with regard to taxes, but 5% fewer people now have to pay even taxes? One occupier's 'fairness" argument (though he/she likely pays zero taxes) is another person's class envy/warfare.

Paul – you are WRONG here. NO ONE pays zero taxes unless they are in a coma, and even then they probably pay taxes. People pay sales tax, car registration fees, property taxes, etc. So stop lying to people that there are these millions of folks paying no taxes. Why must conservatives lie all the time? Go back to watching FOXNews and listening to talk radio. It's clear that's where you are getting your misinformation from.

A...another good point you make that the 'rich" do pay more in taxes when you factor in all that you just mentioned. Best guess, millionares live in pretty nice houses and pay a lot more in property tax then I do on my rambler in the city. And factoring in your beloved percentages...they pay a lot more in sales and luxury tax then I do, because they purchase more. They pay gasoline tax on their jet fuel...luxury tax on their yachts.

And the regressive taxes you speak of...cigarettes and alcohol (very highly taxed in my state) which are typically paid by lower income need to be taxed since a large amount of medicaid dollars are spent on illnesses related to cigarettes and alcohol.

Paul R.... interesting tidbit (easily obtained): 5% of those no-tax people ARE millionaires! Yup, some o' them freeloaders is your kind of people!

But seriously, the reason we have so many people paying little or no INCOME tax is because we have an incredibly high percentage of poor people in this country - much, much higher than a generation ago. A full 16% of U.S. children live in poverty and go to bed without enough food most days. ...facts like that are hard to swallow, aren't they?

Paul - the super rich invest in foreign countries overseas. The buy foreign property. They have blind trusts. They do things we middle-class don't have the means to do to avoid paying taxes. We don't hate the super rich. We hate the tax laws.

I never thought I'd say it, but I wish they would bring back Larry King. Morgan is a twit – gushing and wide-eyed at each celebrity guest. De Niro could be such an interesting interview, but who cares about his politics or the color of his shirt? Morgan is a twit.

Dear Robert, want to pay some more ? Feel free to send a check my way. I think if you are such a fan of the 30%, lets go to say 50, 70, 90% for 2,5,10,20 Million + incomes. Just what % do you want to pay. If you people were really smart you would worry about AMT instead of what this clown and the rest are peddling. AMT is much much worse for the majority of americans, than worrying about this garbage. Couple the 30% with a AMT nullification, hmm oh wait, we dont share intelligent ideas, just ideas to hustle and fear monger, btw I'm black and educated, so eat my shorts if you dont like me telling you the truth.

Mr. De Niro, I knew Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan was a friend of mine. Mr. Deniro, you're no Ronald Reagan.
But you are a good actor, and you should stick to that instead of political commentary and pontification.

Our tax system is B.S. It needs to be tossed, and we need a flat tax. It would save time and bring in more money.

But, that's too simple, right? All the lawyers, tax specialists, thousands working at the IRS and so many other professions have been built around the complexity. The lobby is big and influential. Essentially, we're all being used.

Change is painful, but ultimately, these people would find meaningful work to do, just as millions before them who have lost jobs for whatever reason.

I am independent voter. I despise the two party system that is run like a rival football match. However, that being said, you know, I always kind of like DeNiro. Somehow he seems real not all stuck up and ego mad like so many rich stars in hollyweird.

As one of "the masses", I can say with certainty that DiNiro and his rich Hollywood pals aren't in tune with me. They live like kings in their 10K+ square foot mansions, and can't relate to me any better than Romney or even Obama.

Really, De NIro feels he wants (whatever is fair) to pay more taxes for parties in Vegas... then write a flipp'n check to the US Government... donation or taxes... whatever is fair. I really love (NOT) these Hollywad asses that influence the most stupid in society. Have and have nots.... all want others to pay more just because they (them) have the money to do so. Stay out of my life, my taxes and my wallet.

Naw- you're out of the loop. He says he has it and since you don't have as much, he'd like the government to force him to cough up a little more. You seem to hear actors saying, blah, blah, blah, blah, and then criticize them and their liberal kind. I'm sure you can think of something else that makes his offer to take up the slack for you to be so wrong. What will it be?

Mr De Nero, please show us the cancelled check that you voluntarily sent to the US Treasury to pay more tax, since you said you would pay more ("whatever's fair," in your words). Surely, you have made good on your premise that the rich should pay more, and have already written this check. If you want to pay more, feel free to do so, but be sure to show us the proof. Otherwise, your opinion is just a lot of hot air.

Mr. pompous Robert De Niro, you and Mr. Obama can "stuff" the so called Buffet Rule (really a Mr. Obama tax). But he and you, and Mr. Obama's spiked Kool Aid drinking supporters are not HONEST enough to call it what IT REALLY IS. I am not surprised about Mr. Obama's sales pitch, though. He really does not have a record to run on, therefore, he and his misguided supporters must opt for fabricating falsehoods.

Besides, a Mr. Obama tax, the Buffet Rule will NOT help the middle class as he claims. Mr. Obama's sales pitch, like most everything else he sells, IS BOGUS.

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shame on you piers for allowing mr. deniro, who obviously is misinformed, remain that way regarding romneys taxes.
romney is paying 15% which is the amount required when you live off investments, and that is what he is doing. earned income pays a higher percentage. mr. deniro doesn't know this and obviously neither do you if you didn't set him straight.
not knowing a simple little fact like this is why you shouldn't host an american talk show.

Everything is taxed over and over and over. I pay income tax, property tax, sales tax all on from the original "income" that has been taxed already. Should'nt the earned income tax be lower than the capital gains tax. Only logic considering you worked hours for it versus merely watching it grow? I am all for a flat tax or better yet consumtion tax.

Isn't it amazing? Even from what's quoted from the interview, it's clear DeNiro has absolutely no idea what he's talking about. For one thing, he makes MILLIONS for a few weeks working on a movie; likely no withholding, benefits...??? Just a giant lump sum dropped on "his people". Then there are royalty checks... probably the same deal. His taxes SHOULD be enormous. Why do so few "have nots" fail to comprehend why the tax code ENCOURAGES investment? This is money that has already been earned and taxed at least once, and the people making investments could put it in a bank account or t-bill, but we want people to support businesses so America's growth is fueled by the free economy.

DeNiro and all the others that say they pay too little do so because they have accountants and tax attorneys working hard for them on reducing the amount they have to pay. Do any of us really think he is not filing for every deduction he can claim?

My fellow Americans. Don't you realize the majority of us are poor. Enough is enough. The so called American dream is tiurnning into an American nightmare. Tax the rich. Tax the wealthy, they have money to pay and afford expensive cars , houses and gasoline. I feel sorry for the next generation. Soon a gallon of milk will be $20.00. Wake up and smell the coffee. Look around. If we keep this treand we are heading and will be the same as maybe India, a third world country. Do not blame Obama, He is doing a great job.You know who is to blame. The worst commander in chief we have ever had who destroyed our economy with his policy of making money with the pretext of WMA. Shame on him!

If a gallon of milk will be $20, it will be because it will cost so much to transport it thanks to Obama's horrendous energy policy. And because of inflation from the govt printing money to spend the country into bankruptcy. Yes, let's go down that road four more years!!!

But he ISN"T doing a good job. Unemployment has almost doubled under him. His policies are failing policies.

No one owes you anything. It doesn't matter if the rich have the money. If they want to write us checks, they can, but it isn't ours simply to take. That's called theft. Now, there's nothing stopping you from being innovative, starting a business, and becoming rich.

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Robert DeNiro is one of the greatest actors of all time and obviously a very intelligent and thoughtful man. Also, he very rarely gives interviews or speaks his mind in the public eye. He cannot be compared to other Hollywood figures who constantly spout off about this or that issue. So all I have to say is when DeNiro does choose to speak maybe we should all shutup and listen!

Are you friggin' kidding me????!!!!!!! When DeNiro put his milliions where his mouth is and sends in some extra payments to the IRS, then and only then will I consider listening to what the dope has to say.

Does he not? How would you possibly know? How would I possibly know? The best way to develop perspective is to listen to as many differing opinions as possible. De Niro is an American citizen just like the rest of us and deserves the respect that you or me or anyone would expect when we express our opinions. Why all the hostility? Because he is rich and famous and you are not? Or perhaps because you feel bad about yourself so you feel the need to criticize others? I have been where you are believe me and the best advice I can give is to just shut your mouth for a while and listen. Not just to people and opinions that you want to hear but to anything you come across. This is the path towards true wisdom.

I'm a pretty conservative guy, but I find myself a bit embarrassed by many of the "arguments" or responses put forward here by (what seem to be) conservatives. The suggestions that he should simply donate extra money to the government if he truly believed this or else be found a hypocrite – these suggestions are simply groundless. You have to consider people from two different perspectives – insofar as they are a rational, self-interested person, and also insofar as they are a political creature, or citizen. No one is ever going to pay more than they are required to pay – it is simply human nature; but this does not prevent that same person from believing it would be right for them to be required to pay more. In other words, if there are legal and ethical ways for him to pay less, he would be foolish not to take advantage of these; and this in no way conflicts with a simultaneous lobbying by him, as a *citizen*, to alter the law which provides those means. We need to truly and fairly represent a person's speech and actions, rather than simply latching on to whatever appears at a quick, superficial glance to be a contradiction which will allow us to dismiss as nonsense anything that person says: otherwise, we're just talking to hear ourselves talk and make it appear we have something to say. No progress is made in this manner.

Thank you Peter. I'm a democrat and you are a republican. You seem to have respect for both parties. Believe me I read some things these liberals are posting and it upsets me the things they are saying. I am 150% for President Obama. Everyone needs to have respect for everybody's opinion when it comes to politics. Why cant we just all get along. Thought this was AMERICA. Washington DC needs to stop the BS and take care of what's going on in this country. And that is both sides. President Barack Obama 2012!

Hey OMG, worry about your own money, not someone elses. Ronmey earned his money and he can do whatever he wants with HIS money. Let me guess, you going to vote to re-elect the idiot in the White House, right???

Oh yes he earned his money the hard way by destroying thousands of American jobs and families by going into towns with his Bain Capital cronies and picking apart companies to sell for profit no matter at what cost to so many hard working americans. And yes, I will be voting for the best candidate (in case you're too dumb to figure it out...that would be Obama)

Of course, he's going to vote for Obama in spite of his failing, left-wing extremist administration; OMG is still in the "government will fix everything...just print more money" mindset that we were all in during our childhood.

Who cars what Robert DeNiro thinks. In the eyes of the United States of America Robert DeNiro opinion does not matter any more than anyone else. The fact that he is famous for his movies does not mean he has a good or a bad opinion. It is not relevant to the election. The only reason a story like this gets traction is because of all the lame a$$ people out there who are obsessed with what a few select elite individuals do or think. Wake up and start thinking for yourself !!

No one is stopping DeNiro from sending in extra payments to the IRS if that would make him feel better about himself, but don't hold your breath. Only an idiot would want to pay more in federal income taxes after the recent events with the GSA that only reinforce the waste of our money by this administration.

I hope you are not suggesting that pizza and/or burger king qualifies as a decent meal! But I digress...I would love for the taxation issue to stop reading on these boards as a republican or a democrat issue. We are in this together folks and until we have representation that truly cares about everyone, we are always going have problems...which tragically may also include thinking pizza and/or burger king is a quality meal. eesh.

If you're living on $7.50/hr how are you affording take out? Why are you making $7.50/hr? Did you finish high school? Pursue a degree? Why can't you work a part time job as well? I make a lot more than $7.50/hr and I have to do it t o make ends meet.

Mind you he has a full time staff of Tax Attorneys buying real estate, moving money to "better states" by "living" outside of California for 51% of the year and doing whatever necessary to lower his tax liability....but he couldn't go on CNN and say this! People might not want to see a "greedy" actor in Meet the Effers Part 7! Who cares what the percent is when you're paying over a million a year! If you think it's so low, write a check to the Government...they'll cash it, don't you worry!

Mark C: Obama is not the OPEC. You sound like a Republican. Because of people like yourself we are in the condition we are. Vote Republican and we will really be bankrupt. Wit wllh all due respect, you wish to have the wisdon and the knowledge that Obama has.

In communist countries Rich people pay no taxes, and everyone else has nothing, because everything the rest of the public makes belongs to few on the top. Republicans like this model of government, and they continue to promote 0 taxes for the rich. They call them job creators just like in communist countries the powerful are the job creators. In a democratic societies we like to promote shared sacrifice, and when reasonable people say yes to it, republicans call it communism. I wish these people learn the meaning of words before using such words. No wonder Republicans want to get rid of education department. It sure will help these power hungry to come in power as long as the people are stupid enough too vote for them.

DEMOCRATS please watch what you post. Some of the post are very silly. Lets leave the craziness to the REPUBLICANS. We live in a beautiful free country how about all sides respect that? The left and the right..

Barak Obama took on THE BIG MESS, including an active war, when he became President. He said it would take at least ten years before we would see results. It's been four years. Sometimes things get worse before they can start getting better.

Saying that success will take at least ten years is an excuse to fail and hope no one notices. It blames others, which Obama is very good at. Ten more years of these types of policies and we'll become just like Greece and its economy.

Note about the differences in Mitt, Barry's and most other people's income, you must compare apples to apples. Mitt got most of his income from capital gains, which are taxed at a lower rate around 15%, that's why it's so low, not his choice nor his fault, but rather to his credit that shows real investment savvy. Barry got his from book deals, government service and a lot less investment savvy, taxed at a rate a lot more like the average worker, around 20% (only 5% more). We could use some 'smart investing' in our future economic growth. Immediately after the economic crisis, we could have done better with small government doing big investment thinking instead of the big government doing small change spending.

These comments are a fair sample of the stupidity and hatred that is becoming the norm in America. There is so little graciousness or good will. I wonder how many of these posters have the right to bear concealed weapons. The result – prison nation.

Second coming great depression because there's fraud, scams, lie, cheat, steal...Even unemployed can't even get a job. Scam is everywhere in the city. It's helpless. Best thing to do is watch the economy collaspe.

Whenever I see "Buffett Rule" and "increased INCOME taxes on the wealthy" i have to smile. The buffett rule is aimed at capital gains not income, would affect a disproportionately small group of people, and would affect a disproportionately small share of tax revenue for the amount of media attention and hype this ridiculous "political leverage tool" is receiving.

Makes me sick. Even though I voted Republican and am a Republican, I actually liked Obama until he pulled this trickery.

False humility on De Niro's part. If someone makes $20M a year and pays $3M in taxes, they have $17M cash flow. Even if they pay 50% more in taxes ($4.5M), they still have $15.5M of cash flow. It's like a really fat guy "only" having 15 and a half scoops of ice cream for dessert instead of 17 scoops. He's still fat.

If Mr. Deniro, Buffet, Obama, etc. feel as if they should pay more taxes, please send a check to the Dept of Treasury. They will cash it. Then you can shut up because you've paid what you think your fair share is.

Last week the IRS filed a law suit against one of Warraen Buffets business enterprises for $350 million dollars due to unpaid taxes he has been fighting for years. He talks from both sides of his mouth. Where is the main-stream media discussion on this? Do your homework America.

Actually, their tax rate was 23 % based on total (gross) income. That's income prior to any deductions. The Social Security benefits they got amounted to less than 10% of their total income and most of it was taxed as well (85% of it was taxed).

Based on their taxable income (income less deductions) their rate was over 28%.

The deductions they took were very ordinary and not high at all – real estate taxes, state taxes, mortgage interest and charitable donations.

Your tax rate might be at a higher if you don't own a home and/or if you live in a state with no (or with low) state taxes.

i am sick of people bhnciitg about how oh cod sucks its suxs or its the worst multiplayer game ever i mean really does anyone ever rember what the real cod games were about? They were tributes to WW2 vets. KNOW people are bhnciitg about cod Mw2 suxs i can understand that they hate campers but the blame infinity ward for it do you think infinity ward wanted camping in it if your gunna blame camping on something do it to the players not the companies.

Bombar – well said, and I would have left out the ?... 😉 maybe yu were just being polite

p.s. Buffet owes big time taxes - with one of his company's -- not much news on that!
Warren culd choose to take a salary & be taxed on his salary - he has chosen the opposite - result he pays less taxes. How do folks not 'see' the truth - it's gone too far.

Firstly, wth all due respect to DeNiro – he's not being ask to show his income/taxes. As an American I am exhausted listening to the views of Hollywood Actors, sadly I love movies yet as I get older it is difficult to accept & then watch that actor in a movie. Someone said Holly wood is our royalty...don't think 'they' need to be given the platforms that their given.
Once you reach a certaing status in life, it is difficult to remember how it was before when you were struggling. DeNiro may see it in the streets of NYC but he goes on & lives his wealth life. I wouldn't be able to sleep at nite, I'd want to do all i could personally to help people – key word there is 'personally' not giving more money to the government – for the good the government does do – there is much abuse with our tax dolloars.

Yes hollywood actors give to causes/donate, etc. but it is of their choosing! They decide how they want to donate their money. spend their money.

Problem is with the Tax Code – once taxes are raised on the rich they will find a way around it & give what 'they believe is fair' not what our President is saying is fair.

Most impotantly, it's not about DeNiro willing to pay 'more' in taxes -- it's about his personal beliefs & their aligned with the President. End of story.

I never write re: Actors - however, I was brought up on DeNiro's films - & I've known his views - this was the 'moment' - I culdn't ignore anymore..

I wonder if I submitted a letter to DeNiro asking for a job if he would hire me simply because I am one of the unemployed!

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